More Learnings - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

camperD · 03-07-2014, 01:39 PM

We just returned from a trip to FL and thought I would post a few notes of items before I forget.
1. We had a few cold nights while coming and going. Our little 1500 watt electric heater (from WM) kept the inside temps from getting below 55 while outside temps were in high 20s. Temps dropped to 49 when outside in low 20s and we ran the furnace, which I don’t like to do due to noise (can’t sleep). I’ll be getting a second small electric heater after I check out which 110v. outlets are on which circuits.
2. The door side was drafty during those cold nights. We used some foam insulation tubing to seal the gap. I found that the side seals were not mating because the door side was low by about 1/2”. So I’ll be adjusting the cables on that side to raise it.
3. We weighed our rig (2002 Explorer and 2703C HiLo) on a truck scale and found that we were at 95% of the towing capacity of the Explorer! This was a real surprise and will cause a review of all the stuff we’re taking along. Handling was fine (a testimony to the HiLo concept), but we were definitely under-powered on the hills. I will be looking for a new tow vehicle this year as I am uncomfortable pushing so high on the tow rating and being passed by all the trucks on the hills.
4. Because our driveway is very steep, the most exciting part of the trip was the last 100 feet. I learned that when backing down the driveway with ice and cinders under the front wheels, I need to adjust the brake controller for maximum trailer brakes to keep from sliding down the driveway with no steering!

We saw very few HiLos, except in one state park where there were 3 of us. Speaking of state parks, Florida does an excellent job. Our best state park camping was at Wewiwaka Springs and Silver Springs State Parks …… widely spaced, level sites and clean, modern bathhouses. We also discovered our first national park campground with RV sites (with electric) and hot showers: Flamingo campground in Everglades national Park. Also the best campground we've ever been to: Peterburg campground (Corp of Engineers) on Lake Thurmond on the GA-SC border near Augusta ..... huge, very widely separated, waterfront sites.

Good camping to you all,

slider · 03-08-2014, 11:44 PM

Nice read. I need to look at adjusting my left rear corner and sealing the hi-lo junction on mine. Good idea.

Rick

PopRichie77 · 03-09-2014, 10:25 AM

Yes we like Flamingo stayed there many times also before they had hot showers, Midway, national park on route 41 also has electric but no showers. Our trailer pic was taken at Monument Lake national park on route 41, dry camp ground.

camperD · 03-10-2014, 08:23 AM

Pop,
At Flamingo, the RV loop still has no hot showers. We used the ones in the tent camping loop.
CamperD

PopRichie77 · 03-10-2014, 12:42 PM

Ok. thanks as we didn't make it there this year and thought maybe they put it in the big trailer section, yes we used the one in the tent area also. We also stayed in the B area right across from the bathroom and shower, as the wife has a handicap placard and our 22 ft will fit.

eaglebear · 03-23-2014, 01:56 PM

I have a 2903 and a steep drive way a well. I tow with a f250 which works real well and I back up the drive way which is not easy but easier to control when coming down.